Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology - contenuto non piu disponibile

It is widely recognised that the 1 RM bench press test is the most valid in evaluating the upper body maximal strength in both athletes and sedentary individuals. Various approaches are used for its evaluation, both through prediction equations or practical attempts. The aim of this study was to assess a new method to perform the bench press test combining previously validated theoretical and practical procedures. Fifteen participants (8 male Age=23.5±2.3 FM%=17.3±9.2 and 7 female Age=27.9±10 FM%=25.6±6.9) with no specific training history were tested. Physiological parameters ware recorded before, during and after each test. Participants had to perform a set of repetitions to fatigue (RTF) with a workload corresponding to ⅓ of their body mass (BM) for a maximum of 25 repetitions. After a 5-minute rest, a set of RTF was performed with ½ of BM. The number of repetitions performed in this set was then used to predict the theoretical 1RM using the Mayhew’s equation. At this point participants were invited to attempt the 1 RM bench press test with the predicted workload, for a maximum of 3 attempts. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed at the end each test. The results of the set RTF performed with ½ BM was significantly (p